7 Lessons I Learned in Prison | Ep. 444 with Todd & Melanie Durkin

I just got back from prison. Yep—you read that right. Melanie and I, alongside legendary author & philanthropist Bob Goff and the Love Does team, spent a full day inside San Quentin State Prison in northern CA. And let me tell you, it was one of the most powerful, life-changing experiences you could only imagine. Today’s episode is raw, real, and fresh—we recorded it just days after getting back. You’ll hear from both me and Melanie as we share what we saw, what we felt, and the incredible lessons we learned from the men inside those walls, many of them who have life-sentences.

Before diving in, I’ve got three coaching questions for you that deal with the 7-lessons we will share today (Please keep them in mind WHILE you are listening to this episode):

1. What are your greatest ambitions and dreams?
2. What is your hope and where are you placing your hope these days?
3. What are your fears…and what’s your relationship with fear?

Here are some of the lessons and take-aways we brought home from San Quentin and will discuss in Episode 444:

1. The Power of a Greeting – One hug. One moment. One welcome can change everything. Wait until you hear this one!
2. The Yard is Where It’s At – Raw humanity on display: boxing, baseball, running, workouts, conversations, and even the “pigeon guy.”
3. Reform & Rehabilitation Work – Hundreds of programs, degrees, certifications, and initiatives giving men hope and purpose inside the walls.
4. Communication Matters – No phones. No distractions. Just presence, depth, and real conversation.
5. The Power of a Small Group – Stories of Max, Jesse, and others reminded us that dreams of family, freedom, and redemption are universal.
6. The Power of One Conversation – Sometimes a single word of
   encouragement, one moment of presence, can alter a life’s trajectory.
7. The Power of a Mission – What Bob Goff and “Love Does” is doing to build
   schools across the globe inspired Melanie and I to ask: “How can the Durkin
   IMPACT Foundation do even more? Listen in…

At the heart of it all, this trip reminded me of something Pastor Miles McPherson told me years ago: “All people—prisoners, homeless, troubled, broken—they are ALL God’s people, made in His image.” So true. Melanie and I left San Quentin in deep gratitude and with a burning question: How can we do more? How can we serve in ways that create even greater IMPACT?

So, I’ll leave you with one more question today:

Where and how can YOU show up, serve, and give back to make the biggest impact
also?

Thanks for listening, my friends. Please share this one—it’s a message we all need to hear.

1. If this episode fires you up, here’s how you can help spread the impact: SHARE it on IG and tag us at @ToddDurkin @melaniedurkin @bobgoff #LoveDoes #IMPACT
2. Leave a rating & review wherever you listen.
3. Send it to someone who needs a corner man right now.

Now go get after it… Train hard. Eat right. Live inspired. Go create IMPACT. 

 

P.S #1 Are you a trainer, a teacher, a parent, a leader… and you’re ready to work deeper with people. Not just on tasks or reps, but on who they’re BECOMING.

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P.S #3 Ready to breathe in some Mountain Fresh Air?
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and significance?
Ready to IGNITE your passion, purpose, and IMPACT?

If so, then join me for our 2025 Annual Mountain Retreat in Whitefish, Montana November 13–16, 2025

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